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Fact of the Day - GLASS BEADS ON THE MOON Did you know.... If humans hope to one day colonize the moon, a few things are absolutely necessary for our survival. Chief among these necessities is water; we can’t live very long without it. Because Earth is nestled in the life-supporting comfort of our sun’s Goldilocks zone (not too hot, not too cold), water can be found on its surface in abundance — but what about the moon? In the late 2000s, various space missions discovered hydration on the moon, but it wasn’t clear if it was water or a related molecule called hydroxyl. In 2020, NASA finally confirmed that water is distributed across the lunar surface. But a potentially game-changing discovery arrived in 2023, after the Chinese Chang’e-5 lunar mission discovered that small glass spherules, also known as impact glasses or microtektites, contained H2O — possibly some 330 billion tons of it — on the lunar surface. These water-filled beads are formed in a complex process of space chemistry that’s kick-started by meteorites slamming into the moon at hundreds of miles per hour. The spheres contain oxygen that reacts to ionized hydrogen in solar winds to form water. This is potentially a huge boon for future astronauts — whether NASA or otherwise — who hope to establish a moon base, as these widespread, water-filled spheres can be boiled and then cooled to extract potable water vapor. And so while the moon’s dull and lifeless surface may seem inhospitable to human habitation, with every new discovery, our celestial neighbor is looking more and more welcoming. The Earth goes through its own kind of lunar phases — but in reverse. Since time immemorial, humans have been captivated by the phases of the moon. Ancient societies constructed entire calendars based on its 29.5-day-long cycles, and we’ve even given specific names to every full moon that occurs throughout the year — but these phases aren’t exclusive to Earth’s only satellite. When Apollo astronauts viewed the Earth from the moon, they experienced our terrestrial home’s own special mix of phases, but in reverse. So when earthlings experienced a full moon, astronauts saw a “new” Earth (and vice versa). Although Earth’s phases are similar to the moon’s — experiencing full, new, and all the various crescent shapes in between — there are some differences. The moon, for example, is tidally locked, so we always see the same lunar face. But the Earth isn’t similarly constrained, so it appears to any lunar inhabitants as a constantly changing orb. Also, because the moon orbits the Earth, it moves across our sky. But the Earth, when viewed from the moon, would appear to stay in the same spot. So in the far future — or even within the next decade — when future astronauts glimpse the Earth from their lunar space station, they’ll experience something both new and familiar. Source: The moon has glass beads that may contain billions of tons of water.

What's the Word: DISSERTATION pronunciation: [dis-ər-TEY-shən] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, 17th century Meaning: 1. A long essay on a particular subject, especially one written as a requirement for the doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. Examples: "The architecture professor wrote her dissertation on medieval castle engineering." "It takes years to earn a Ph.D., and at least a few of those years will be spent writing a dissertation." About Opulence “Dissertation” is taken directly from the Latin “dissertātiōn,” meaning “discourse” or “disquisition.” It is closely related to the Latin “dissertāre,” meaning “dispute” or “discuss.” Did you Know? In its earliest appearances in English, “dissertation” referred to pointed conversation and debate, as implied by its Latin root meaning “discourse” and “disquisition.” As time passed, “dissertation” no longer referred to a debate between two or many people in person, or even in print; rather, it specifically meant a long and detailed written argument, usually by a single author. The modern “dissertation” is generally a book-length piece of research and argument presented by a Ph.D. candidate at the end of their degree as a summary of the whole of their learning. In most cases, a Ph.D. candidate must “defend” their dissertation before a panel of professors, a process that recalls the dispute and discussion meanings of the word.

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I believe we got the official release date for it, which is on September 19, 2025. If it's not mistaken. I think I would get this on Day One. I heard so much great stuff about Legends of Heroes, especially Cold Steel, which I'm mostly intrigued about. Mostly fans recommend playing the original Trails in the Sky before Cold Steel. I'm unsure why I want CS first, it because CS has 3D and Trails in the Sky doesn't. I don't know, but yippe! Now I'm waiting for Fall to come.

Fact of the Day - RHUBARB Did you know.... Rhubarb may be best known as a tart springtime ingredient that introduces a bright, distinct tang to otherwise sweet desserts, but not all rhubarb is grown in the light of day, or even in spring at all. In parts of England, a special variety is harvested by candlelight in the depths of winter, producing stalks that are quite different from their more common counterparts. In a 9-square-mile area known as the “Rhubarb Triangle” in England’s West Yorkshire county, the plant is grown in total darkness and harvested by candlelight. This technique dates back to the early 1800s, when farmers realized moving rhubarb plants indoors after frost began to hit the fields could trick the plants into thinking it was spring, reawakening the roots and forcing them to grow quickly in the warm, dark sheds. According to a Smithsonian Magazine interview with London horticulturalist Helena Dove, the plant “panics” without sunlight. Over the following eight weeks, it enters a growing frenzy, aggressively using its stored energy and growing upward in an attempt to seek out light. It grows so fast, it even makes noise: In the otherwise silent sheds, farmers say they can hear the stalks creaking as they reach up into the darkness. As the plants stretch quickly in search of sun, their cells elongate as well, rendering the stalks more tender. The plant also draws on its stash of stored sugars to grow, making for noticeably sweeter rhubarb. To achieve this coveted texture and flavor, the harvest, like the growing, must happen in darkness. Workers move quietly between rows, handpicking each stalk, while candles elevated on spikes glow around them. The dim setting helps prevent any chemical changes from sudden light exposure, and though the process is labor-intensive, the result is a product chefs and foodies seek out each winter. Rhubarb was once at the center of a court case. In 1947, a debate took place in a United States customs court to determine whether fresh rhubarb imported from Canada should be classified as a fruit or a vegetable. The stakes? A 15% difference in tariffs. Rhubarb is technically a vegetable by botanical definitions, but by arguing that rhubarb is typically stewed with sugar, served with cream, or baked into pie, attorney Joseph Schwartz made the case that it should be classified as a fruit. A customs official, however, disagreed: He claimed he personally ate rhubarb as a side dish with dinner, making it fill more of a traditional vegetable role. The court considered these culinary uses, as well as dictionary definitions and an 1893 Supreme Court case that ruled that tomatoes were vegetables for tariff purposes even though they meet the botanical definition of a fruit. In rhubarb’s case, the sweet-leaning use won out and the court formally ruled it a fruit. This decision didn’t last forever, though; under the current international tariff system, rhubarb is again classified as a vegetable. Source: Certain types of rhubarb have to be harvested by candlelight.

What's the Word: OPULENCE pronunciation: [AHP-yəl-ens] Part of speech: noun Origin: Middle French, 16th century Meaning: 1. Great wealth or luxuriousness. Examples: "The opulence of Marcia’s home was most apparent in the kitchen, with its marble countertops, hardwood floors and cabinetry, and eight-burner Italian gas range." "As we walked the gardens of the castle, we found the opulence of the interior extended to the lush landscaping." About Opulence “Opulence” came into English from an identical word in Middle French, meaning “great wealth.” The French word “opulence” was based on the Latin “opulentia,” meaning “riches” or “splendor.” Did you Know? The richest person in history was believed to be Mansa Musa (1280-1337 CE), king of Timbuktu in present-day Mali. Since Musa oversaw the world’s largest resources of gold, he enjoyed such extravagant opulence that he once threw the currency of neighboring Egypt into crisis through his own personal spending. Musa’s personal wealth and levels of opulence are impossible to measure by today’s standards. Julius Caesar, another historical figure of great wealth, is estimated to have had a fortune equivalent to about $4 trillion.

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Mondays are fun

Fact of the Day - TWO FRONT DOORS Did you know... You aren’t seeing double—some houses were intentionally built with this architectural quirk. If you’ve ever driven through an older neighborhood and spotted a home with two front doors side by side, you might’ve assumed it was once a duplex. And in some cases, you’d be right. But many of these houses started out as single-family homes. Those two doors weren’t random, though. In fact, they often served very specific purposes. Let’s explore the history (and the theories) behind this architectural quirk. A Matter of Symmetry In the 18th and 19th centuries, symmetry was a defining feature of many architectural styles, especially in Georgian and Federal homes. Builders took balance seriously: that meant matching windows, centered chimneys, and evenly spaced shutters. But sometimes, the interior layout didn’t allow for a single, centered front door. Rather than disrupt the exterior harmony, designers would simply add a second door to restore visual balance. Formal vs. Functional Another common reason for two doors was that each had its own distinct role. One door typically opened into the formal parlor, which was the room reserved for guests or important occasions. The other door led to the family’s main living space—where everyday life took place. This dual-entry layout allowed homeowners to separate public and private life. Visitors entered through the “good” door; family members came and went through the other. In certain homes, this division was also tied to class structure: one door for the homeowners, one for hired help. It was a subtle but deliberate design decision rooted in social norms of the time. Other Theories Behind Why Houses Have Two Front Doors Over the years, a handful of other double-door explanations have emerged, and some are more plausible than others. One theory suggests that one door was used exclusively during funerals. Known as the “coffin door,” it provided a direct route from the front parlor to the outside. While this explanation may not apply widely, it has roots in some early New England traditions. Then there’s the practical stuff, like temperature control. Before air conditioning, opening both doors could help cool down a house by creating a breeze. And in homes where glass was hard to come by, a second door was sometimes a cheaper alternative to a window. Whatever the reason, it’s a small detail that says a lot about how people lived and what they valued in centuries past. While today’s homes tend to favor open floor plans and fewer formal spaces, those old double-door facades still catch the eye. Source: The Fascinating Reasons Why Some Old Houses Have Two Front Doors

What's the Word: EFFICACY pronunciation: [EFF-ə-kə-see] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, 16th century Meaning: 1. The ability to produce a desired or intended result. Examples: "For the greatest efficacy, take this medication before meals." "John proved the efficacy of his intense study regimen with the high marks he received." About Efficacy “Efficacy” is based on the Latin “efficācia,” meaning “potential to accomplish.” Did you Know? “Efficacy” is easily confused with “efficiency,” but the meanings of the two words come from different Latin roots. “Efficacy,” like “effectiveness,” describes a capacity for achievement. It's a rough translation of its Latin root “efficācia.” On the other hand, “efficiency” refers to the ability to maximize productivity while minimizing effort or expense. It is based on the Latin “efficientia,” meaning “efficient power.”

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Fact of the Day - PETRICHOR Did you know... Humans love the smell of rain, a delicious medley of aromas known collectively as “petrichor.” But where does that smell come from? Well, the word itself (coined by Australian scientists in 1964) gives a clue. “Ichor” is the name for the fluid that forms the blood of the gods in Greek mythology, while “petros” in Greek means “stone” — which is one of the places this sweet-smelling chemistry happens. When rain hits porous soil and rocks after a long dry spell, small bacteria called actinobacteria (primarily Streptomyces species) release earthy-smelling organic compounds known as geosmin (a type of alcohol) into the air and into our nostrils. Plants also secrete oils during dry spells that then release odors when it rains. Human noses are highly sensitive to this mixture of smells — we can detect it at levels of less than 10 parts per trillion — and can sniff it out better than a shark can smell blood in the sea. (Estimates put a shark’s ability to sniff out blood at about one part per million.) Some scientists theorize that early humans relied on this keen sense of smell to find clean sources of water. Bacteria and plant oils aren’t the only reasons rainstorms come with a signature aroma, however. Lightning can sometimes split two oxygen atoms (O2), which reform with other oxygen molecules to form ozone (O3), a word derived from the Greek for “to smell.” Because of powerful downdrafts, ozone can be carried on the wind for miles, tingling the nostrils of animals and humans alike. The human nose can detect 1 trillion different odors. The human nose is a remarkable evolutionary creation. While not as sensitive as a dog’s or as flexible as an elephant’s, its 400 receptors can sniff out the chemical properties of a particular smell and help create neural responses linked with a memory or emotion. But for years, science has underestimated just how good the human nose really is. Since 1927, the common belief was that humans could smell around 10,000 distinct smells, a pitiful number compared to our other senses (human eyes can see around a million colors). However, new research in 2014 discovered that the sniffing ability of the human nose far surpassed that number. The study in question started by showing that humans have a hard time distinguishing between two scents whose chemical mixtures overlap by more than 50%. By extrapolating how many mixtures reside below that 50% ceiling, scientists were able to determine the lower limit of humanity’s sense of smell, which comes out to around 1 trillion odors. In other words, certainly nothing to sniff at. Source: Humans are more sensitive to petrichor than sharks are to the smell of blood.

What's the Word: BEL-ESPRIT pronunciation: [bel-es-PREE] Part of speech: noun Origin: French, 17th century Meaning: 1. A witty person. Examples: "My uncle Ken was a bel esprit whose presence livened up every family party." "Hoping to absorb enough wit to become a bel esprit, Laura read the collected works of Dorothy Parker and Oscar Wilde." About Bel-Esprit “Bel esprit” comes directly from the French expression, which literally means “nice spirit” but is defined as “fine mind” or “wit.” Did you Know? In the 18th-century, dinner parties could be hours-long affairs with strict etiquette around conversation. But if one were lucky enough to be seated next to a bel esprit, then the night was sure to be entertaining. This particular type of conversationalist is not just clever, but likely has a reputation for witty remarks that everyone can enjoy and laugh at. A bel esprit brings such wit, humor, and insight to a conversation that it is considered a privilege — or very good luck — to spend time talking with them.

I'm still fairly butthurt about this. They teased the anniv. for absolutely no reason. Not a fan of the baiting they were doing.

I think that's what most Steam users do. I can remember a time when getting a single game was a big deal and I played it even if it sucked bad. Digital + sales has really changed peoples' relationship with games. The libraries people put together are wild.

I hate Mondays.

Fact of the Day - GREEN OLIVES vs BLACK OLIVES Did you know.... What’s the difference between green olives and black olives? The answer is a little more complicated than you may think. There’s widespread disagreement when it comes to olives, whether they‘re black or green. But have you ever wondered if there‘s a difference between the two besides color? The annoying, yet honest, answer is yes and no. Are Green Olives and Black Olives the Same Thing? Both are essentially the same fruit: Green olives are the unripe versions of black olives. Sporked says green olives are known for being a bit more bitter than black ones. Black olives tend to be oilier and contain less salt than green ones, primarily due to their packaging differences. Green Olives vs. Black Olives: Similarities and Differences Black olives Origin: Olive (Olea europaea) trees Taste: Mild, buttery, oily When are they harvested?: When ripe How are they treated?: Usually straight to salt brining Common uses: Pizzas, pasta salads, salads Green olives Origin: Olive (Olea europaea) trees Taste: Salty, bitter, tangy When are they harvested?: When underripe How are they treated?: Lye soaking before salt brining Common uses: Charcuterie boards, sandwiches, martini garnish How Green and Black Olives Are Processed Whether talking about non-ripe or ripe olives, you usually won’t find a fresh version of the fruit in grocery stores; they’re always fermented or treated in some way. This is because olives contain a lot of oleuropein, a compound that makes them super bitter and unappetizing. Although studies show that oleuropein has health benefits, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, few can tolerate the abrasive taste. Olive producers have ways of combating the unappealing flavor. They will soak the fruits in water, ferment them in salt brine, or treat them with sodium hydroxide (a.k.a. lye) to break down the oleuropein. Lye soaking is usually the go-to process; it only takes about one week compared to the other methods, which can take several weeks. Green olives almost always soak in a lye solution before brining, whereas fully ripe black olives can head straight to the brining process. To add another wrinkle to the matter, most black olives you find on grocery store shelves aren’t picked when ripe. They’re actually harvested green olives that have been artifically ripened using ferrous gluconate, an oxygen and iron compound that turns the fruits black. This is cheaper than waiting months for olives to ripen on the branch, but it results in a less flavorful product. Now that you know how green olives and black olives differ, you can read about the distinction between extra virgin olive oil and the regular stuff here. Source: Green Olives vs. Black Olives—They're Not as Different as You May Think

What's the Word: SILT pronunciation: [silt] Part of speech: noun Origin: Middle English, 15th century Meaning: 1. Fine sand, clay, or other material carried by running water and deposited as a sediment, especially in a channel or harbor. Examples: "The bottom of the pond was mostly silt and a few rocks." "Chris has a special attachment for his pool vacuum to pick up silt so fine that it would otherwise clog the machine." About Silt “Silt” is a centuries-old word with uncertain origins, though it came into English through the Middle English words “silte” and “cylte,” which also indicate sediments left by water sources. Did you Know? There are many words similar to “silt” across northern European languages. In Norwegian and Dutch, the word “sylt” refers specifically to a “salt marsh,” as does the word “sylta” in Swedish. These words were preceded by the Middle Low German “sulte,” also meaning “salt marsh.” All are related to the Old English “sealt” (circa the 11th century), meaning “salt.” Between the 15th and 16th centuries, “silt” developed its modern meaning of fine sediment deposited by water.

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Fact of the Day - CALLING 911 Did you know.... You never want to butt-dial the cops. But if you do, here’s what happens next. In 1987, only 50 percent of the U.S. population had access to 911, the universal emergency assistance line that had been championed by lawmakers and telephone operators since the 1960s. By 2000, the coverage was up to 93 percent. Today, so long as you have a cell or landline phone, you should be able to ring for urgent help when there’s been an accident, crime, or injury. But sometimes, 911 calls happen by mistake. In Lewis County, Washington, it’s estimated that 20 percent of the calls received are dialed unintentionally. So what if you dial 911 by mistake? What happens? Are there consequences? What to Do if You Call 911 by Mistake As it turns out, 911 misdials are often the result of so-called “butt dials” (inadvertent calls owing to a phone being activated while in someone’s pocket), children dialing it without supervision, or triggering a phone’s emergency service shortcuts. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Emergency Medical Services, which houses the National 911 Program, it doesn’t really matter how the mistake was made. If you dial 911, you should never, ever hang up. If you do, the 911 operator will have to assume an emergency is in progress and will either dispatch first responders to your location, try to call you back, or both. Instead, remain on the line and tell the operator that dialing 911 was an accident. By reassuring the call center there’s no emergency, it’s likely you can avoid a welfare check by police. Suppose you hang up. What then? There’s no hard and fast rule about whether a dispatcher can trace your call to a physical address or whether a certain number of rings is required. It’s possible your cell carrier may only be able to pinpoint your location to within 300 yards. Updated 911 systems might employ device-based hybrid location accuracy, or DBH, which is what ride-sharing apps like Uber use. (Landline phones, which are normally registered to physical addresses, are a bit easier to track.) It’s best to assume you’ll get a visit; however, you should therefore explain yourself. (Obviously, the easier you are to find in a real emergency, the better. If you’re curious whether your local emergency services provider has your correct physical address, you can always try contacting their non-emergency number by searching for your city or county online. You’ll also want to make sure your house number is visible from the street both during the day and at night.) Can You Get into Legal Trouble for Accidentally Calling 911? Mistakes happen, and it’s highly unlikely any local government is going to legally pursue a resident for accidentally phoning 911. If you intentionally dial 911 and make a false report of a crime or emergency, however, you can expect to have a very real problem on your hands. Many states have laws prohibiting prank calls. California, for example, considers a false emergency report to be a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of $1000. If prosecutors believe the person knew that injury or death could occur while responding to the false report, it becomes a felony. When to Call 911 It’s fairly easy to identify a situation in which you might need to phone 911. According to the National 911 Program, it’s when a person needs immediate assistance from the police, fire department, or ambulance. If you’re unsure, just call—and be sure to tell them your name and callback number, your location, and the type of emergency at hand. The dispatcher can advise on whether to proceed with a first responder or whether the issue can be addressed another way. Reasons to Dial Emergency Services • You see smoke • You see a fire • You’ve witnessed or were in a car accident • You need to report a reckless driver • You’ve witnessed (or been the victim of) a crime or suspicious activity • You or someone nearby are having a medical emergency Smoke, fire, car accidents, crime, and other emergencies usually indicate that urgent assistance is needed. Some people, however, may pause when it comes to medical issues. Again, the best thing to do is call, but the situation is likely to be urgent if anyone is experiencing the following symptoms [PDF]: • Shortness of breath • Chest pain • Rapid heart rate • Mental confusion or unconsciousness • Heavy bleeding • Trouble speaking • Broken bones • Severe headache • Drownings • Drug overdoses • Seizures • Allergic reactions Regardless of the severity of the medical problem, calling 911 might be best if moving the person would result in further injury; the condition is likely to worsen while driving to a hospital; or the person needs assistance that could only be provided by a paramedic. For non-urgent situations—like general questions or minor complaints—dial your local police station’s non-emergency number. How to Prevent Accidental 911 Calls Years ago, iPhones introduced an Emergency SOS function that allows users to speed up 911 service by bypassing the phone app and dialing. Instead, they could tap the power button five times or hold down other buttons (like volume), which would create a countdown and then a call to emergency services. This function isn’t a default setting: It needs to be set up on an iPhone. If you did that and no longer want it activated, you can use the Settings to get to Emergency SOS. Then, disable both Call with Hold and Release and Call With 5 Button Presses. If you have children, it’s also a good idea to lock your phone with a password to prevent them from dialing by accident. 911 calls can also be placed by kids playing with old, unused phones on the presumption that, without a calling plan, they can’t make outgoing calls. They can’t—but 911 is usually the lone exception. If you give a kid a used phone to make pretend calls with, be sure to take out the battery first. Source: What Happens If You Call 911 by Mistake?

What's the Word: DERBY pronunciation: [DER-bee] Part of speech: noun Origin: English, late 18th century Meaning: 1. (British) An annual flat race for 3-year-old horses, founded in 1780 by the 12th Earl of Derby and run on Epsom Downs in England in late May or early June. 2. (North American) A bowler hat. Examples: "The derby attracted many well-dressed, high-rolling attendees." "René Magritte’s ‘The Son of Man’ painting features an apple and a derby." About Derby This word comes from the annual Derby horse race, considered the most important in England. It was started in 1780 by the 12th Earl of Derby and run at Epsom, Surrey. The name was adopted for any major horse race after 1875. Did you Know? The word “derby” comes from the city of Derby in the Midlands of England, located on the River Derwent. Eventually, use of the word in Great Britain spread to include any sports match between two rival teams from the same area. “Derby” eventually jumped the pond and was used to describe bowler hats, roller derby, and, of course, certain horse races — most notably, the Kentucky Derby.

Fact of the Day - DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS Did you know... Three decades ago, Texas was facing an enormous problem: trash, as far as the eye could see, piled up along its scenic and city roadways. The cleanup was arduous and costly — by the mid-1980s, the Texas Department of Transportation (aka TxDOT) was spending nearly $20 million each year in rubbish removal along highways alone. To save money (and the environment), leaders of the Lone Star State knew they had to get trash under control, which they decided to do with a series of public service announcements. But little did TxDOT know that its cleanliness campaign would become larger than life. The iconic line, dreamed up by an Austin-based ad agency, initially launched on bumper stickers deposited at truck stops and fast-food restaurants. The first “Don’t Mess With Texas” commercial, which aired at the 1986 Cotton Bowl, honed in on Texans’ love for their land, telling viewers that littering was not only a crime but “an insult” to the state’s landscape. The phrase — spoken in that first commercial by Dallas-born guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan amid a bluesy version of “The Eyes of Texas” — soon became a rallying cry for Texans. The spot was so popular that TV stations around the state received calls asking for it to be aired again. Within a year, TxDOT estimated that roadside litter had dropped by 29%. The ad campaign continued — featuring celebrities such as Willie Nelson, George Foreman, and LeAnn Rimes — and is credited with reducing highway trash by 72% in its first four years. The slogan has become only more popular over time, used at protests, declared by presidential candidates, and chanted at football games — all proof that state pride is held deep in the hearts of Texans. A spot that was once the world’s largest landfill is now a park. Humans have always generated trash, but how we’ve dealt with it has changed over time. Communities of the past often tossed their refuse out into the streets or in designated dumping sites. In fact, the sanitary landfills used today — where trash is compacted, then covered with dirt — didn’t emerge until 1937. About a decade later, New York supersized its sanitation system by creating the Fresh Kills Landfill, which covered 2,200 acres on Staten Island (about three times the size of the city’s famed Central Park). By 1955, the site was considered the world’s largest landfill, with barges delivering 28,000 tons of trash per day by the 1970s. The former dump site has since been redeveloped into Freshkills Park, partially opening to visitors in 2012 amid ongoing work that will continue through approximately 2036. It has also become home to wildlife, including more than 100 bird species. Source: The phrase “Don’t mess with Texas” was created to discourage road littering.

What's the Word: CREDENCE pronunciation: [KREE-dns] Part of speech: noun Origin: Anglo-Norman, 14th century Meaning: 1. Belief in or acceptance of something as true. 2. The likelihood of something being true; plausibility. Examples: "Charlotte gave no credence to the rumor the hotel was haunted and booked a room for the weekend." "My sister-in-law is a vet tech, so that lends credence to all advice she gives about our family pets." About Credence “Credence” is based on the Anglo-Norman “credenz,” meaning “belief” or “credit.” This was itself based on the Latin “crēdentia,” meaning “belief” or “faith.” Did you Know? “Credence” refers to one’s belief in the truth of a matter, but it is one of a family of words having to do with belief, faith, and trust. Its most familiar relative is “credential,” meaning “qualification proving suitability.” It is also closely related to “credo,” meaning “a statement of beliefs that guide one’s actions.” The word even shares a distant root with “credit” in the Latin word “crēdere,” meaning “to trust or lend money to.” A person would only give credit to a person whose circumstances they gave credence to — though credentials often help in establishing the necessary trust.

Fact of the Day - TOY HALL OF FAME Did you know... From teddy bears to train sets, classic playthings of youth often conjure memories of a gleaming toy store, holidays, or birthdays. So curators at the Strong National Museum of Play branched out when they added the stick to their collection of all-time beloved toys. Among the most versatile amusements, sticks have inspired central equipment in several sports, including baseball, hockey, lacrosse, fencing, cricket, fishing, and pool. Humble twigs are also ready-made for fetch, slingshots, toasting marshmallows, and boundless make-believe. Located in Rochester, New York — about 70 miles northeast of Fisher-Price’s headquarters — the Strong acquired the fledgling National Toy Hall of Fame in 2002. (It was previously located in the Gilbert House Children's Museum in Salem, Oregon.) To date, more than 70 toys have been inducted, including Crayola Crayons, Duncan Yo-Yos, and bicycles. The stick was added in 2008, three years after another quintessential source of cheap childhood delight: the cardboard box. Sticks were the first timekeeping device used by humans. Circa 3500 BCE in the modern-day Middle East, Mesopotamians rooted sticks in the ground to craft the earliest versions of sundials. The approximate time could be determined by measuring the length and position of the stick’s shadow. Over the next 1,500 years, Egyptians substituted stone obelisks that functioned in a similar way. Since the late 19th century, America has been home to the world’s tallest obelisk, the 555-foot Washington Monument. Source: The stick has been inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame.

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